Police order McDonald’s to stop selling milkshakes near Farage rally

With hundreds of Brexit Party supporters and dozens of protesters arriving at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange for an EU elections rally, staff at the neighbouring McDonald’s were told to not serve people certain products following a spate of dairy-based incidents involving right-wing politicians.

Printed signs saying: “We will not be selling milkshakes or ice creams tonight. This is due to a police request given recent events” were displayed on the windows and inside the fast food restaurant.

Police Scotland refused to comment on the apparent demand, but a member of staff, who did not want to be named, described the situation as “ridiculous”.

Far-right figures Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and Ukip candidate Carl Benjamin have had food and drinks thrown at them during the European election campaign.

Former English Defence League leader Mr Yaxley-Lennon was drenched by milkshakes twice in two days as he campaigned in the north-west of England.

Mr Benjamin – who is currently being investigated by police about what he said were jokey rape comments made towards MP Jess Phillips – was at a public meeting in Cornwall when a protester tried to throw a drink over him.